Health Center - Birth Control
For many women, birth control pills are the contraception method of choice. “The pill” has evolved over the years and more options exist than ever before. Unsure which is the right birth control method for you? Not sure what to do if you miss a pill? Find answers to these questions and more here.
Birth Control Pills Guide
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
Effectiveness: 92 to 99 percent; it is more than 99 percent effective if used as directed (1-9 pregnancies per 100 women each year).
What is it? The ring is a thin, clear, flexible 2-inch circle that you insert anywhere in your vagina and leave for 3 weeks. It slowly releases the synthetic hormones estrogen and progestin. At the fourth week, you remove the ring and have your period, or you can leave it in to avoid having a period. At the fifth week, you insert a new ring. Brand name is NuvaRing.
How does it work? Like birth control pills, the ring releases estrogen and progestin, which prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also prevents fertilization by affecting the lining of uterus and thickening the cervical mucus.
STD protection: No; you will still need to use condoms if you are concerned about STDs.
